Forecast’s good for weekend wind events

A busy summer at the Hood River waterfront continues this weekend with two wind-related events, and if forecasts hold true, they’ll escape the occasional “if you schedule it, it won’t blow” curse.

Running Saturday and Sunday, the Gorge Cup summer windsurfing race series hosts its fourth race, which will be much larger than usual as it’s being run as a stop of the US Windsurfing National Racing Tour. The two days of slalom racing will pit Gorge regulars against sailors from around the country who are following the NRT to accrue points that go toward the overall national title. The schedule is wind dependent, but racing is expected to start shortly after a 10 a.m. skippers meeting both days.

For more information or to see current Gorge Cup leaders, see www.gorgecup.com.

In the kiteboarding world, Big Winds is hosting a free event Saturday called “Kite with the Pros.” The event is scheduled to start at 11:30 a.m. and will give the kiting community the opportunity to meet and learn from professional kiteboarders representing Cabrinha, Naish and North brands.

Based at the Hood River Sandbar, accessed from the spit parking area, the event will include strapless/surf activities with Matt Elesasser and Jason Watts of Cabrinha, big air and freestyle with Shawn and Jesse Richman of Naish and slicks and sliders with Craig Cunningham and Colleen Carroll of North.

For more information, visit bigwinds.com, facebook.com/BigWinds, or call the shop at 541-386-6086.